BEIJING, March 7 (RIA Novosti) - China and Russia should strengthen cooperation to ensure stability and multi-polarity in the world, the Chinese foreign minister said Saturday.

"The Russian Federation and China, as permanent members of the UN Security Council, play a great role in this sphere," Yang Jiechi said.

Jiechi said China's policy regarding Russia will develop in four directions in 2009: "mutual exchanges on the high and top level," strengthening energy and scientific-technological cooperation, diplomacy and cultural exchanges, as well as cooperation within international organizations, including BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, China).

"Brazil, Russia, India and China are big players on the international arena. We face similar challenges, have opportunities for joint development, and are making a common contribution to ensuring peace and stability in the region," the Chinese minister said.